What started as a protest against a Finance Bill proposed by President William Ruto turned into a protest against police brutality and escalated into chaos across Nairobi and 23 other counties. They had no leader or face of the protest; they were armed with mobile phones and hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyParliament, and #GenZRevolution. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram helped them rally to the streets, and TikTok helped them conduct livestreams. The demonstrators marched with slogans like, "We are the government", "You messed with the wrong generation", and “Ruto Must Go.” They were met with a brutal crackdown."These guys have been killing our cousins. If you try to protest, these people just come and try to shoot. They shoot us actually with live bullets. Not rubber bullets," said Mohammed from Nairobi, as reported by the BBC.&nbsp;The Kenyan National Human Rights Committee said there were instances of using excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets, live ammunition and resulting in numerous injuries. At least 16 people were killed and 400 were injured in the Kenyan protest, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists on June 25, which marked the 1st anniversary of the GenZ demonstration. The Kenyan communication authority had issued a directive to stop broadcasting the demonstration, and some stations like NTV and KTN were pulled off-air for defying the ban.&nbsp;Last year's protest at first had no opposition leaders, no trade union calls, and it was just a spontaneous awakening, truly organic, decentralised, and led by young, unaffiliated Kenyans. There were slogans like “Not Azimio, not UDA. Just the people.” As the protest started to gain momentum, Leaders from the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition (led by Raila Odinga) began to support the protests. &nbsp;But they were often not welcomed at youth-led rallies; youths feared that they wanted to ride the wave, instead of leading the rally.&nbsp;Civil society groups like Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Law Society of Kenya provided legal aid and documented abuse.&nbsp;Those protests against the Finance Bill left 60 dead and 20 missing. Even though Ruto repealed the Finance Bill, it was too late; the demand was now justice and accountability for the dead, the Resignation of Ruto and top ministers, jobs, housing, and real economic change. The government said these protests were infiltrated by foreign interference, but the claim was dismissed by civil society and protestors alike.&nbsp;This year, protestors started to rally over the death of a Kenyan blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody. Ojwang was arrested on Friday for posting objectionable information against a senior police official. There were also cries for accountability over the shooting of street hawker Boniface Kariuki in a public space.&nbsp;Kenya is in a difficult state with the rising state debt, and the finance bill was supposed to raise $2.7 billion with taxes on essentials like bread and fuel. It was a painful and pragmatic move to appease the IMF. But this was betrayal for Kenyan youth with unemployment at 67 per cent, a shrinking job market prompted them to take to the streets, where they met with brutality, culminating in a massive sentiment to oust the government of William Ruto.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read how a protest that originated virtually among GenZ is raging on the streets of Nairobi, accumulating issues of unemployment, taxation, police brutality and state accountability, resulting in a political awakening of Kenya

What started as a protest against a Finance Bill proposed by President William Ruto turned into a protest against police brutality and escalated into chaos across Nairobi and 23 other counties. They had no leader or face of the protest; they were armed with mobile phones and hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyParliament, and #GenZRevolution. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram helped them rally to the streets, and TikTok helped them conduct livestreams. The demonstrators marched with slogans like, "We are the government", "You messed with the wrong generation", and “Ruto Must Go.” They were met with a brutal crackdown. "These guys have been killing our cousins. If you try to protest, these people just come and try to shoot. They shoot us actually with live bullets. Not rubber bullets," said Mohammed from Nairobi, as reported by the BBC. The Kenyan National Human Rights Committee said there were instances of using excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets, live ammunition and resulting in numerous injuries. At least 16 people were killed and 400 were injured in the Kenyan protest, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists on June 25, which marked the 1st anniversary of the GenZ demonstration. The Kenyan communication authority had issued a directive to stop broadcasting the demonstration, and some stations like NTV and KTN were pulled off-air for defying the ban. Last year's protest at first had no opposition leaders, no trade union calls, and it was just a spontaneous awakening, truly organic, decentralised, and led by young, unaffiliated Kenyans. There were slogans like “Not Azimio, not UDA. Just the people.” As the protest started to gain momentum, Leaders from the Azimio La Umoja opposition coalition (led by Raila Odinga) began to support the protests. But they were often not welcomed at youth-led rallies; youths feared that they wanted to ride the wave, instead of leading the rally. Civil society groups like Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Human Rights Commission, Law Society of Kenya provided legal aid and documented abuse. Those protests against the Finance Bill left 60 dead and 20 missing. Even though Ruto repealed the Finance Bill, it was too late; the demand was now justice and accountability for the dead, the Resignation of Ruto and top ministers, jobs, housing, and real economic change. The government said these protests were infiltrated by foreign interference, but the claim was dismissed by civil society and protestors alike. This year, protestors started to rally over the death of a Kenyan blogger, Albert Ojwang, in police custody. Ojwang was arrested on Friday for posting objectionable information against a senior police official. There were also cries for accountability over the shooting of street hawker Boniface Kariuki in a public space. Kenya is in a difficult state with the rising state debt, and the finance bill was supposed to raise $2.7 billion with taxes on essentials like bread and fuel. It was a painful and pragmatic move to appease the IMF. But this was betrayal for Kenyan youth with unemployment at 67 per cent, a shrinking job market prompted them to take to the streets, where they met with brutality, culminating in a massive sentiment to oust the government of William Ruto.

Read how a protest that originated virtually among Gen Z is raging on the streets of Nairobi, accumulating issues of unemployment, taxation, police brutality and state accountability, resulting in a political awakening of Kenya

From twitter to teargas: How Gen Z is leading the largest political awakening of Kenya

Nigeria’s police chief has warned against Kenyan-style protests after frustrated citizens used online platforms to call for demonstrations against government. Watch in for more details!

Nigeria’s police chief warns against Kenyan-style protests

After violent protests against a finance bill that included tax rises to pay off the nation's massive debt last week, another wave of protesters returned to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and other cities throughout the country on Tuesday (July 2).

After violent protests against a finance bill that included tax rises to pay off the nation's massive debt last week, another wave of protesters returned to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and other cities throughout the country on Tuesday (July 2). The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights said that 361 people had been injured and 24 people had died since the protests began two weeks earlier. The commission called the violence used against demonstrators "excessive and disproportionate." President William Ruto is dealing with his worst crisis since assuming office in 2022. In the midst of protests last week, the Parliament passed the finance bill. However, when in retaliation, demonstrators stormed into the Nairobi parliament building, police opened fire, killing over twenty people, according to rights groups. Following the violence, Ruto demanded an investigation into the protestors' deaths and declared he would not sign the finance bill. However, it doesn't seem like such actions have placated the young protestors who are demanding that the president resign. Also read: Politics is a 'dark' and 'negative' world, left it to protect my kids, says Ivanka Trump "We are determined to push for the president's resignation We hope for a peaceful protest and minimal casualties, if any," Ojango Omondi, an activist in Nairobi, told news agency Reuters on Tuesday. Tuesday saw protests in Kisumu, Nakuru, Kajiado, Mombasa, Migori, Mlolongo, and Rongo, as well as reports of scattered violence. The government will take action against those involved in the 'orgy of violence' and 'anarchic chaos and cruel plunder,' Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki warned. "People are dying in the streets and the only thing he can talk about is money. We are not money. We are people. We are human beings. He needs to care about his people, because if he can't care about his people then we don't need him in that chair," protester Milan Waudo told Reuters in Mombasa. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests turn violent in Kenya as activists demand President Ruto's resignation

Kenya's human rights body has given an updated death toll of 39 in the wake of protests against the much-hated financial reforms of President William Ruto's government.

In a release on Monday (July 1) marking two weeks since the protests began, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said 29 people have died and 361 were injured in relation to the protests.

Postmortems of most victims are yet to be conducted, it said.

The dead included 17 from capital Nairobi, four from Uasin Gishu and three each from Mombasa, Makuru and Kajiado.

The report also said that there have been 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 arrests of Anti-Finance Bill protesters.

<h2>What happened in Kenya?</h2>

The widely unpopular Finance Bill was aimed at shoring up the finances of the African country and stabilising its economy. It included several taxes for basic goods and reportedly even gave powers to authorities to control mobile money transactions.

The protests intensified on June 25, when thousands of people entered the parliament building, leading to police firing and deaths. Part of the building was on fire as protesters, mostly youth, breached barriers to enter the parliament premises.

Later, the army was deployed to quell the violence and President Rutte returned the Finance Bill without signing it.

On the deployment of the Kenyan Defence Forces, the rights body reminded authorities that "national security should be pursued in compliance with the law and with utmost respect to the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms."

(With inputs from agencies)

Kenya's human rights body has given an updated death toll of 39 in the wake of protests against the much-hated financial reforms of President William Ruto's government.

Kenya's human rights body has given an updated death toll of 39 in the wake of protests against the much-hated financial reforms of President William Ruto's government. In a release on Monday (July 1) marking two weeks since the protests began, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) said 29 people have died and 361 were injured in relation to the protests. Postmortems of most victims are yet to be conducted, it said. The dead included 17 from capital Nairobi, four from Uasin Gishu and three each from Mombasa, Makuru and Kajiado. The report also said that there have been 32 cases of enforced or involuntary disappearances and 627 arrests of Anti-Finance Bill protesters. What happened in Kenya? The widely unpopular Finance Bill was aimed at shoring up the finances of the African country and stabilising its economy. It included several taxes for basic goods and reportedly even gave powers to authorities to control mobile money transactions. The protests intensified on June 25, when thousands of people entered the parliament building, leading to police firing and deaths. Part of the building was on fire as protesters, mostly youth, breached barriers to enter the parliament premises. Later, the army was deployed to quell the violence and President Rutte returned the Finance Bill without signing it. On the deployment of the Kenyan Defence Forces, the rights body reminded authorities that "national security should be pursued in compliance with the law and with utmost respect to the rule of law, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms." (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya protests: Human rights body puts deaths at 39, double than govt data

Kenyan President William Ruto has declined to sign a highly contentious finance bill that has sparked Nationwide protests he has sent the bill back to the Parliament for amendments after violent clashes outside the Parliament and across the country.

Kenya: President Ruto withdraws controversial finance bill following nationwide protest

Headlines of the hour: - China intercepts U.S. Submarine Detectors - U.S. Congress seeks probe into Pak polls - Gallant presses Hamas to accept truce deal - Rising attacks: Germany cracks down on migrants - Kenya's Ruto withdraws controversial tax bill - Supporters flock to Canberra to welcome Assange

China intercepts US Submarine detectors | Kenya's Ruto withdraws finance bill

Headlines of the hour: - Israeli airstrikes hit school in Gaza - Sri Lanka asks Russia to return ex-soldiers - Ukraine signs security deal with EU - Iran polls: Two Iranian hardline candidates drop out - Saudi to seek China's help to end Houthi crisis - Kenya braces for fresh protests - Indian stocks hit lifetime high

Sri Lanka asks Russia to return ex-soldiers | Israeli airstrikes hit school in Gaza |

Kenya: President Ruto declines to sign finance bill as mass protest turns violent |

Kenya's President William Ruto Tuesday (Jun 25) promised to take a tough line against "violence and anarchy" after protests against his government's proposed tax hikes turned deadly and demonstrators ransacked parliament, reportedly setting parts of it on fire. The violence left at least five people dead.

"We shall provide a full, effective and expeditious response to today's treasonous events," Ruto told a press briefing in Nairobi.&nbsp;

After rounds of rubber bullets and water cannons, police opened fire on demonstrators who were trying to storm Kenya's parliament killing at least five, as per news agencies. Local reports mentioned that at least 10 died, but there's no official confirmation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-protests-ex-us-president-barack-obamas-sister-tear-gassed-live-on-air-735053">Kenya protests: Ex-US president Barack Obama's sister tear-gassed live on air</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several protesters reportedly entered the complex where lawmakers were debating tax hike proposals that have sparked widespread anger across the nation.&nbsp;

A fire erupted at the governor's office in the capital city of Nairobi. TV footage showed protesters breaching&nbsp;the nearby parliament complex, which was also partly ablaze.&nbsp;Footage broadcast on privately owned Citizen TV showed police trying to douse the flames at City Hall with water cannons, with rights groups accusing officers of firing live rounds, leaving one dead and many wounded.&nbsp;

Police fired live bullets at protesters, with the Kenya Human Rights Commission initially saying on X that "police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing".&nbsp;

"Human rights observers are now reporting the increasing use of live bullets by the National Police Service in the capital of Nairobi... Safe passage for medical officers to treat the many wounded is now urgent," Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>Internet disruptions in Kenya&nbsp;</h2>

Global web monitor NetBlocks said that a&nbsp;"major disruption" hit&nbsp;Kenya's internet service amid protests.&nbsp;

"Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown," the watchdog said on X.&nbsp;

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<h2>What do the&nbsp;protesters want?&nbsp;</h2>

Kenyan protesters have demanded President William Ruto's resignation over proposed tax hikes. The protesters have accused Ruto of betraying them after he won the presidency in 2022 as he promised to champion the working poor. They vowed to reject outright the government's new finance bill to raise taxes and lighten debt costs.&nbsp;

Kenyans protested against the new finance bill despite the fact that the government agreed to scrap some provisions in the draft law, such as taxes on bread, cars, cooking oil and sanitary towels. The Finance Bill 2024 proposes increased levies on a wide range of products and services which has angered citizens, who are already overburdened by the high cost of living.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-flying-to-saipan-a-remote-pacific-island-734986">Why is WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange flying to Saipan, a remote Pacific island?</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, an unnamed protester said, "Government treats us like foreigners in this place. We are rejecting every single bill in that finance... we are rejecting the bill, every clause. We are not asking for any amendment. We are asking for them to reject it. We are going to take power with our own hands, and we are not afraid."&nbsp;

"I don't want him as my president, I even regret why I voted for him. He must go. This new finance bill, you are not amending, we are rejecting. Everything, withdraw it. The money that he uses to travel is belonging to the economy. Ruto you must go, by force. We are not pleasing you, you must go by force," a protester said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Kenya's President William Ruto Tuesday (Jun 25) promised to take a tough line against "violence and anarchy" after protests against his government's proposed tax hikes turned deadly and demonstrators ransacked parliament, reportedly setting parts of it on fire.

Kenya's President William Ruto Tuesday (Jun 25) promised to take a tough line against "violence and anarchy" after protests against his government's proposed tax hikes turned deadly and demonstrators ransacked parliament, reportedly setting parts of it on fire. The violence left at least five people dead. "We shall provide a full, effective and expeditious response to today's treasonous events," Ruto told a press briefing in Nairobi. After rounds of rubber bullets and water cannons, police opened fire on demonstrators who were trying to storm Kenya's parliament killing at least five, as per news agencies. Local reports mentioned that at least 10 died, but there's no official confirmation. Also read: Kenya protests: Ex-US president Barack Obama's sister tear-gassed live on air Several protesters reportedly entered the complex where lawmakers were debating tax hike proposals that have sparked widespread anger across the nation. A fire erupted at the governor's office in the capital city of Nairobi. TV footage showed protesters breaching the nearby parliament complex, which was also partly ablaze. Footage broadcast on privately owned Citizen TV showed police trying to douse the flames at City Hall with water cannons, with rights groups accusing officers of firing live rounds, leaving one dead and many wounded. Police fired live bullets at protesters, with the Kenya Human Rights Commission initially saying on X that "police have shot four protesters, as witnessed by KHRC, killing one. We strongly condemn the police killing". "Human rights observers are now reporting the increasing use of live bullets by the National Police Service in the capital of Nairobi... Safe passage for medical officers to treat the many wounded is now urgent," Irungu Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, told the news agency AFP. Internet disruptions in Kenya Global web monitor NetBlocks said that a "major disruption" hit Kenya's internet service amid protests. "Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown," the watchdog said on X. × What do the protesters want? Kenyan protesters have demanded President William Ruto's resignation over proposed tax hikes. The protesters have accused Ruto of betraying them after he won the presidency in 2022 as he promised to champion the working poor. They vowed to reject outright the government's new finance bill to raise taxes and lighten debt costs. Kenyans protested against the new finance bill despite the fact that the government agreed to scrap some provisions in the draft law, such as taxes on bread, cars, cooking oil and sanitary towels. The Finance Bill 2024 proposes increased levies on a wide range of products and services which has angered citizens, who are already overburdened by the high cost of living. Also read: Why is WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange flying to Saipan, a remote Pacific island? As quoted by the news agency Reuters, an unnamed protester said, "Government treats us like foreigners in this place. We are rejecting every single bill in that finance... we are rejecting the bill, every clause. We are not asking for any amendment. We are asking for them to reject it. We are going to take power with our own hands, and we are not afraid." "I don't want him as my president, I even regret why I voted for him. He must go. This new finance bill, you are not amending, we are rejecting. Everything, withdraw it. The money that he uses to travel is belonging to the economy. Ruto you must go, by force. We are not pleasing you, you must go by force," a protester said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya's President William Ruto slams 'criminal' demonstrators as protests turn deadly, five killed

Peaceful protests in Kenya turned deadly on Tuesday (Jun 25) when police opened fire on demonstrators, who were raising their voices against proposed tax hikes and demanding President William Ruto's resignation. The protesters vowed to reject outright the government's new finance bill to raise taxes and lighten debt costs.&nbsp;

Kenyans protested against the new finance bill even though the government agreed to scrap some provisions in the draft law, such as taxes on bread, cars, cooking oil and sanitary towels. The Finance Bill 2024 proposes increased levies on a wide range of products and services which has angered citizens, who are already overburdened by the high cost of living.&nbsp;

Amid the chaos, Ruto addressed&nbsp;the nation, calling protesters&nbsp;"criminals". He said, "I assure the nation that the government has mobilised resources to make sure that events such as this do not recur again."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-protests-erupt-over-controversial-finance-bill-what-is-it-735068">Kenyan protests erupt over controversial finance bill. What is it?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Police open fire&nbsp;</h2>

Police were initially firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd, but live use of bullets caused the deaths of at least five people, while injuring dozens. Local reports mentioned that 10 protesters died, but an official confirmation of the toll is awaited.&nbsp;

<h2>Parts of parliament set ablaze&nbsp;</h2>

A fire erupted at the governor's office in the capital city of Nairobi. TV footage showed protesters breaching the nearby parliament complex, which was also partly ablaze, with reports blaming protesters for the same. Police tried to douse the flames at City Hall with water cannons.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-protests-ex-us-president-barack-obamas-sister-tear-gassed-live-on-air-735053">Kenya protests: Ex-US president Barack Obama's sister tear-gassed live on air</a>&nbsp;

<h2>People abducted&nbsp;</h2>

Amnesty International claimed in a report published on Tuesday that the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) condemned the recent wave of abductions of citizens suspected of involvement in the protests.

The report mentioned that the abductions of at least 12 people, which occurred over the last five days and intensified last night, are a "gross violation" of human rights and amount to arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearance as prohibited under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Internet outage&nbsp;</h2>

Global web monitor NetBlocks said that a "major disruption" hit Kenya's internet service amid protests.&nbsp;

"Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown," the watchdog said on X.&nbsp;

<h2>Military deployed&nbsp;</h2>

The government deployed the military to support embattled police officers, the defence minister said.

The military was deployed to support the police "in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests" across Kenya "resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure", cabinet secretary Aden Bare Duale said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Peaceful protests in Kenya turned deadly on Tuesday (Jun 25) when police opened fire on demonstrators, who were raising their voices against proposed tax hikes and demanding President William Ruto's resignation.

Peaceful protests in Kenya turned deadly on Tuesday (Jun 25) when police opened fire on demonstrators, who were raising their voices against proposed tax hikes and demanding President William Ruto's resignation. The protesters vowed to reject outright the government's new finance bill to raise taxes and lighten debt costs. Kenyans protested against the new finance bill even though the government agreed to scrap some provisions in the draft law, such as taxes on bread, cars, cooking oil and sanitary towels. The Finance Bill 2024 proposes increased levies on a wide range of products and services which has angered citizens, who are already overburdened by the high cost of living. Amid the chaos, Ruto addressed the nation, calling protesters "criminals". He said, "I assure the nation that the government has mobilised resources to make sure that events such as this do not recur again." Also read: Kenyan protests erupt over controversial finance bill. What is it? Police open fire Police were initially firing tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd, but live use of bullets caused the deaths of at least five people, while injuring dozens. Local reports mentioned that 10 protesters died, but an official confirmation of the toll is awaited. Parts of parliament set ablaze A fire erupted at the governor's office in the capital city of Nairobi. TV footage showed protesters breaching the nearby parliament complex, which was also partly ablaze, with reports blaming protesters for the same. Police tried to douse the flames at City Hall with water cannons. Also read: Kenya protests: Ex-US president Barack Obama's sister tear-gassed live on air People abducted Amnesty International claimed in a report published on Tuesday that the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) condemned the recent wave of abductions of citizens suspected of involvement in the protests. The report mentioned that the abductions of at least 12 people, which occurred over the last five days and intensified last night, are a "gross violation" of human rights and amount to arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearance as prohibited under Article 29 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Watch this report: × Internet outage Global web monitor NetBlocks said that a "major disruption" hit Kenya's internet service amid protests. "Live network data show a major disruption to internet connectivity in #Kenya; the incident comes amidst a deadly crackdown by police on #RejectFinanceBill2024 protesters a day after authorities claimed there would be no internet shutdown," the watchdog said on X. Military deployed The government deployed the military to support embattled police officers, the defence minister said. The military was deployed to support the police "in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests" across Kenya "resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure", cabinet secretary Aden Bare Duale said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya protests turn deadly: What's happening in East African nation? 5 points

Kenya's government on Tuesday walked back plans to impose multiple tax hikes, the presidency said, amending a controversial bill that sparked protests where more than a dozen demonstrators were arrested.

The East African economic powerhouse has struggled with a cost-of-living crisis, which critics warned would only worsen under the levies laid out in a bill due to be debated this week and passed before June 30.

Hundreds of mostly young protesters assembled near parliament on Tuesday, with police firing tear gas and making arrests, according to AFP journalists.

Hours later, the presidency announced that it would scrap many of the bill's most contentious provisions, including taxes on bread purchases and car ownership.

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"The Finance Bill has been amended to remove the proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions as well as the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax," the presidency said in a statement.

"Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and Excise Duty on vegetable oil has also been removed," it added.

The cash-strapped government had earlier defended the hikes -- which were projected to raise some 346.7 billion shillings ($2.7 billion), equivalent to 1.9 per cent of GDP -- as a necessary measure to cut reliance on external borrowing.

Lawmakers were due to debate the bill on Tuesday afternoon, but postponed the discussion to Wednesday, just before the presidency announced the changes following recommendations made by a parliamentary committee.

"Because the people's representatives have listened to the people... they have adjusted the proposals," President William Ruto told lawmakers.

<h2>- 'Fighting for my future' -</h2>

The bill sparked fury among many Kenyans, who staged protests on Tuesday dubbed "Occupy Parliament".

Black-clad protesters were forced into a cat-and-mouse situation with police, with officers lobbing tear gas and -- in one instance -- chasing people into a church before making arrests.

"I am fighting for my future," one protester, 23-year-old Wangari, told AFP.

"With such taxes, with such exploitation, I don't see how we can build a life," she said.

"This is making it very hard for us, especially us, that are not a part of the one percent."

Her thoughts were echoed by others like 29-year-old Rara Eisa who was protesting for the first time.

"I am tired. The prices of everything have gone up, life is no longer affordable," she said, adding that the taxes "are not lenient in any way".

Many demonstrators waved signs emblazoned "do not force the taxes on us", referring to Ruto as Zakayo, the Swahili name for the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus.

<h2>- Discontent -</h2>

Ruto came to power in 2022 on a promise to revive the economy and put money in the pockets of the downtrodden, but his policies have sparked widespread discontent.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-hails-north-koreas-support-for-ukraine-war-vows-trade-security-ahead-of-visit-to-pyongyang-732803">Putin thanks North Korea for 'firmly supporting' Ukraine war as he visits Pyongyang</a>

He has raised income tax and health insurance contributions, and doubled VAT on petroleum products to 16 per cent.

Last year's tax hikes led to opposition protests, sometimes degenerating into deadly street clashes between police and demonstrators.

While Kenya is among the most dynamic economies in East Africa, roughly a third of the 51.5 million population lives in poverty.

Overall inflation has remained stubbornly high at an annual rate of 5.1 per cent in May, while food and fuel inflation stood at 6.2 per cent and 7.8 per cent respectively, according to central bank data.

The World Bank said this month that while Kenya's real GDP growth had accelerated last year to 5.6 per cent from 4.9 per cent in 2022, it was expected to slow to five per cent this year.

Kenya's government on Tuesday walked back plans to impose multiple tax hikes, the presidency said, amending a controversial bill that sparked protests where more than a dozen demonstrators were arrested.

Kenya's government on Tuesday walked back plans to impose multiple tax hikes, the presidency said, amending a controversial bill that sparked protests where more than a dozen demonstrators were arrested. The East African economic powerhouse has struggled with a cost-of-living crisis, which critics warned would only worsen under the levies laid out in a bill due to be debated this week and passed before June 30. Hundreds of mostly young protesters assembled near parliament on Tuesday, with police firing tear gas and making arrests, according to AFP journalists. Hours later, the presidency announced that it would scrap many of the bill's most contentious provisions, including taxes on bread purchases and car ownership. Also Read | Thailand royal defamation case: Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra indicted, granted bail "The Finance Bill has been amended to remove the proposed 16 per cent VAT on bread, transportation of sugar, financial services, foreign exchange transactions as well as the 2.5 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax," the presidency said in a statement. "Additionally, there will be no increase in mobile money transfer fees, and Excise Duty on vegetable oil has also been removed," it added. The cash-strapped government had earlier defended the hikes -- which were projected to raise some 346.7 billion shillings ($2.7 billion), equivalent to 1.9 per cent of GDP -- as a necessary measure to cut reliance on external borrowing. Lawmakers were due to debate the bill on Tuesday afternoon, but postponed the discussion to Wednesday, just before the presidency announced the changes following recommendations made by a parliamentary committee. "Because the people's representatives have listened to the people... they have adjusted the proposals," President William Ruto told lawmakers. - 'Fighting for my future' - The bill sparked fury among many Kenyans, who staged protests on Tuesday dubbed "Occupy Parliament". Black-clad protesters were forced into a cat-and-mouse situation with police, with officers lobbing tear gas and -- in one instance -- chasing people into a church before making arrests. "I am fighting for my future," one protester, 23-year-old Wangari, told AFP. "With such taxes, with such exploitation, I don't see how we can build a life," she said. "This is making it very hard for us, especially us, that are not a part of the one percent." Her thoughts were echoed by others like 29-year-old Rara Eisa who was protesting for the first time. "I am tired. The prices of everything have gone up, life is no longer affordable," she said, adding that the taxes "are not lenient in any way". Many demonstrators waved signs emblazoned "do not force the taxes on us", referring to Ruto as Zakayo, the Swahili name for the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus. - Discontent - Ruto came to power in 2022 on a promise to revive the economy and put money in the pockets of the downtrodden, but his policies have sparked widespread discontent. Also Read | Putin thanks North Korea for 'firmly supporting' Ukraine war as he visits Pyongyang He has raised income tax and health insurance contributions, and doubled VAT on petroleum products to 16 per cent. Last year's tax hikes led to opposition protests, sometimes degenerating into deadly street clashes between police and demonstrators. While Kenya is among the most dynamic economies in East Africa, roughly a third of the 51.5 million population lives in poverty. Overall inflation has remained stubbornly high at an annual rate of 5.1 per cent in May, while food and fuel inflation stood at 6.2 per cent and 7.8 per cent respectively, according to central bank data. The World Bank said this month that while Kenya's real GDP growth had accelerated last year to 5.6 per cent from 4.9 per cent in 2022, it was expected to slow to five per cent this year.

Kenya scraps most new tax hikes as hundreds protest

Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister.&nbsp;

<h2>Violence in Kenya</h2>

The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While&nbsp;the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters.

According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested.&nbsp;

The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenyan-police-fire-tear-gas-to-stop-opposition-protests-over-tax-hikes-613122">controversial tax hikes</a> that President William Ruto signed into law.&nbsp;

The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”.&nbsp;

The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday.&nbsp;

“This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Who all were arrested?</h2>

“More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki.&nbsp;

Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests.

<h2>Schools closed</h2>

The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday.&nbsp;

“On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement.&nbsp;

A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living.

Several people were reported to have been shot, some possibly fatally, after police and demonstrators clashed in several cities and towns across Kenya, on Wednesday (July 19), amid protests over the new finance law that has sought to raise taxes amid the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenyan authorities have arrested over 300 people amid protests, said the interior minister. Violence in Kenya The three-day protests began Wednesday morning as hundreds of protesters hurled rocks and burned tyres on the streets, across Kenya. While the police fired volleys of tear gas in the crowd, witnesses told Reuters. According to local media reports, several people across the country were injured. This comes after two previous rounds of protests, earlier this month, where the police not only fired tear gas but also live rounds at the crowds. So far, at least 15 people have been killed while hundreds of others have been arrested. The third round of anti-government demonstrations called for by the opposition leader Raila Odinga comes amid the continued struggle to protest a raft of controversial tax hikes that President William Ruto signed into law. The government has previously argued that the tax hike would also help create jobs and reduce public borrowing. Meanwhile, Odinga’s Azimio alliance has vowed to stage three straight days of protests this week starting Wednesday evening urging “Kenyans to come out in an even bigger way tomorrow”. The opposition leaders have also called for protests on Thursday and Friday. “This government is violating the constitution by being brutal on us while we are trying to uphold the same constitution through peaceful protests,” a protester in Mombasa who gave only his first name, Eric, told Reuters. Who all were arrested? “More than 300 people have been arrested across the country and will be charged with various crimes, including looting, malicious damage of property, arson, robbery with violence, assaulting law enforcers,” said Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki. Opposition lawyer, Danstan Omari told Reuters that nine senior opposition figures were detained by the police among whom were two lawmakers and county officials, who were either arrested or abducted during the protests. Schools closed The Kenyan government had closed schools a day prior to the protest on Wednesday in Kisumu, Mombasa and Nairobi. However, a joint statement released by the country’s interior and education minister Ezekiel Machogu said that the government has taken measures to ensure students’ safety and schools can be opened from Thursday. “On the basis of the evaluation, it is hereby directed that all day primary and secondary schools in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu counties re-open for normal school activities on 20th July, 2023,” said the joint statement. A report by Al Jazeera citing local media reports said three school children were rushed to the hospital in Kangemi after police used tear gas on their school premises while dispersing protesters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kenya: Protesters clash with police as three-day protest over tax hikes begins; over 300 arrested

The East African nation of Kenya has been rocked by anti-government protests against a raft of tax hikes. Opposition leader Raila Odinga initiated a string of anti-government rallies this year after narrowly losing to William Ruto in presidential elections last August. On the 12th of July, in the second round of protests in less than a week, at least 6 people were killed in clashes between police and demonstrators across the country. These clashes on Wednesday followed rallies in several cities last week that also saw six people being killed. Opposition politicians and rights campaigners have accused the Kenyan police of being heavy-handed. Kenya's constitution includes the right to peacefully demonstrate. But the police have asserted that any demonstration needs advance notification "in the interest of national security".

Kenya rocked by anti-government protests

The East African nation of Kenya was rocked by anti-government protests on the 7th of July. Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Friday, answering an opposition call to demonstrate over a raft of controversial tax hikes. Bonfires were lit and some major roads were blockaded by protesters. Tear gas canisters were fired upon them to break up the protests. 3 people lost their lives in these protests against tax hike. President William Ruto won the closely-contested August 2022 elections on the promise of improving the economic fortunes. He is now accused of rowing back on those very promises. In a country already suffering economic hardship & soaring prices for essential commodities, how fair is it to implement new taxes? Mohammed Saleh explores.

Kenya rocked by opposition protests over tax hike

The African Union led appeals for calm and political dialogue after anti-government protests in Kenya turned violent, with police firing tear gas and looters going on a rampage. For the past two weeks, Kenya has been witnessing massive protests by supporters of an opposition leader against the government in high prices of food items till now.

Kenyan president warns of action against protesters as anti-govt protests enter second week

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